Not much was expected from Bowyer in his first season with Michael Waltrip Racing. But all Bowyer did was have the best season of his career.

His three wins and second-place finish in the standings were both career-highs and he helped produce one of the year’s most memorable moments when he dashed through the Phoenix garage looking to get a piece of Jeff Gordon.

Bowyer’s memorable breakout season set him up for a possible championship run in 2013.